Son Remains Hostile Even After Dad’s Cancer Diagnosis
The grandson refuses to explain his breakup with family, even as his father battles incurable cancer and the household strain continues.
- A 79-year-old woman seeks advice after her 24-year-old grandson, Rafe, cut ties with the family a year ago, while her 51-year-old son recently received an incurable cancer diagnosis.
- Following a year of silence, Rafe and his girlfriend reside rent-free in the son's home while refusing to speak, with Rafe demanding unspecified "change" from his father and grandmother.
- The son's 13-year marriage faces additional pressure from his wife's chronic shopping addiction, as her hoarding has overrun their home and created constant stress during his illness.
- Abigail Van Buren advises the grandmother to prioritize supporting her son's health over the estrangement, suggesting she place Rafe's unexplained grudge on the "back burner."
- Regarding the hoarding, the column recommends Spenders Anonymous meetings and professional decluttering services as potential strategies to help manage the daughter-in-law's behavior despite her likely resistance.
12 Articles
12 Articles
Son remains hostile even after dad’s cancer diagnosis
DEAR ABBY: I am a 79-year-old woman who, over time, has suffered the loss of several family members. Now I’m facing the worst loss imaginable. A year ago, my 24-year-old grandson “Rafe” cut himself off from his father and from me. Until then, we had been a close, loving family who did things together. Rafe […]
The Herald-Dispatch
Dear Abby: Son remains hostile even after dad's cancer diagnosis
DEAR ABBY: I am a 79-year-old woman who, over time, has suffered the loss of several family members. Now I’m facing the worst loss imaginable. A year ago, my 24-year-old grandson “Rafe” cut himself off from his father and from…
Dear Abby: Son remains hostile even after dad’s cancer diagnosis
DEAR ABBY: I am a 79-year-old woman who, over time, has suffered the loss of several family members. Now I’m facing the worst loss imaginable. A year ago, my 24-year-old grandson “Rafe” cut himself off from his father and from me. Until then, we had been a close, loving family who did things together. Rafe and his girlfriend live rent-free in my son’s house, yet they refuse to speak to either of us. I’ve written and spoken to him, but he says th…
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